How to Book Your Driving Test in Cyprus

Getting your driving licence in Cyprus takes more steps than many people expect. The process involves two separate tests, two separate bookings, and a fair bit of paperwork. If you are new to the island or unfamiliar with how government services work here, it can feel confusing fast. This guide walks you through every stage, from who runs the tests to what happens if things do not go to plan.

Who is responsible for driving tests in Cyprus?

Driving tests in Cyprus are run by the Department of Road Transport. In Greek it is called the Τμήμα Οδικών Μεταφορών, or ΤΟΜ for short. It operates under the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works.

TOM handles everything related to driver licensing. That includes setting the rules, running the test centres, training the examiners, and managing appointments. If you have a question about any part of the test process, TOM is the place to go.

The department has district offices in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos. Each office covers candidates living in that region. You will normally deal with the office closest to where you live or where your driving school is based.

TOM also works alongside Cyprus's official digital services platform, known as the Αρχή Ψηφιακής Πολιτείας. Some transport-related services are available through that portal. However, availability changes, so always confirm with TOM directly before assuming you can do everything online.

For learner drivers, the most practical first step is to speak to a licensed driving school. Schools deal with TOM regularly and often handle bookings on your behalf. They know the current waiting times, the correct forms, and the local procedures at each office.

If you want a broader picture of the full licence process before diving into bookings, the step-by-step driving licence guide covers everything from the learner's permit through to the full licence.

What are the requirements before you can book a test?

You cannot book either test until you meet a set of conditions. These apply to locals, EU nationals, and expatriates equally.

The starting point is your learner's permit. In Greek it is called the άδεια εκπαιδευόμενου οδηγού. You must hold a valid one before TOM will let you sit any test. If you do not have one yet, getting it is the first job.

Beyond the permit, you need to have completed the required training hours at a licensed driving school. There are minimum hour requirements for both theory preparation and practical driving. Your school will tell you when you have met them.

Here is a summary of what you need before booking:

• A valid learner's permit issued by TOM
• Completed minimum training hours at a licensed driving school
• A valid national ID card or passport for identification
• Any forms or certificates your driving school provides
• The correct test fee (check current fees with the Department of Road Transport)

It is worth talking to your school early about costs. Lesson prices vary, and some schools bundle test-prep sessions into their packages. You can compare driving lesson costs in Cyprus to get a feel for what is typical before you commit to a school.

EU nationals and expatriates should also check whether their existing foreign licence affects the process. In some cases, licence conversion rules apply. The complete Cyprus driving licence guide has more detail on this.

How to book your theory test: step by step

The theory test is the first of the two stages. It is a multiple-choice exam drawn from TOM's official question bank. The questions cover road signs, traffic rules, and safe driving behaviour.

You have three main ways to book it.

Through your driving school. This is the most common route. Your school contacts TOM on your behalf and secures a slot. They will tell you the date, time, and location. All you need to do is show up with your ID.

By phone. You can call your nearest TOM district office directly. Have your learner's permit number and personal details ready. Staff will check availability and register your appointment.

In person. Visit the TOM office in your district. Bring your learner's permit and a valid ID. A staff member will book the slot for you at the counter.

Here is the step-by-step process:

1. Confirm with your driving school that you have completed the required theory preparation hours.
2. Choose your booking method: school, phone, or in person.
3. Have your learner's permit and ID ready before you make contact.
4. Pay the applicable test fee. Check current fees with the Department of Road Transport.
5. Receive confirmation of your date, time, and test centre location.
6. On test day, arrive early and bring your valid ID.

The theory test is held at TOM examination centres in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos. You will sit at a computer terminal and answer the multiple-choice questions within the set time. Results are usually given on the day.

For a deeper look at what the test actually involves, the Cyprus driving test guide explains the format and what to expect in the exam room.

How to book your practical test: step by step

Once you have passed the theory test, you can move on to booking the practical road test. This is the stage where an examiner sits beside you and assesses your driving on real roads.

The most straightforward way to book is through your driving school. Schools have an established relationship with TOM and liaise directly on your behalf. Many schools will not send you to the practical test until they are confident you are ready, which is actually useful for most learners.

You can also book directly with TOM by phone or in person at your district office. The process is similar to booking the theory test. Bring your learner's permit, your theory test pass certificate, and your ID.

Here is how the booking process works step by step:

1. Pass the theory test and obtain your pass certificate.
2. Complete the minimum practical training hours your driving school requires.
3. Ask your school to book the test, or contact your TOM district office directly.
4. Confirm the test date, time, and meeting point with your examiner or school.
5. Pay the applicable fee. Check current fees with the Department of Road Transport.
6. On the day, bring your learner's permit, theory pass certificate, and a valid ID.

The practical test takes place on public roads near the TOM test centre. The examiner will ask you to carry out a range of manoeuvres and drive in different traffic conditions. They are looking at control, observation, and how you apply the rules you learned for the theory test.

If you are based in the capital and still choosing a school, browsing driving schools in Nicosia can help you find one with experience preparing candidates for the practical test there.

Where are driving tests held across Cyprus?

TOM runs examination centres in four cities across the Republic of Cyprus. These cover most of the island's population.

• Nicosia - the main TOM headquarters and a primary test centre
• Limassol - serves the south coast and surrounding areas
• Larnaca - covers the southeast of the island
• Paphos - serves the west of the island

You will normally be assigned to the centre in the district where you live or where your driving school operates. If you want to transfer to a different district, speak to TOM directly to find out if that is possible.

Practical tests are conducted on public roads near each centre. The exact routes used by examiners vary. Your driving school should be familiar with the roads around your local test centre and can practise those routes with you in the weeks before your test.

If you are in Limassol and still looking for a school, checking driving schools in Limassol gives you a list of licensed options in that area.

Tests are held on working days. Slots can fill up quickly, especially during busy periods. Book as early as you can once you are ready. Waiting times differ by centre and by season, so ask your school or TOM office for a realistic estimate when you enquire.

Northern Cyprus is not covered by TOM or the Republic of Cyprus government. If you live in the government-controlled areas, you must use the TOM centres listed above.

What to do if you need to reschedule or retake a test

Things do not always go to plan. You might need to change your date, or you might not pass first time. Both situations are common and there are clear steps to follow for each.

Rescheduling before your test

If you need to move your appointment, contact TOM or your driving school as soon as possible. Give as much notice as you can. Late cancellations may affect your fee, so check the current policy with TOM before assuming you will get a refund or carry-over.

Failing the theory test

If you do not pass the theory test, you must wait a set period before you can rebook. TOM sets this waiting time and it can change. Check with the Department of Road Transport for the exact period currently in force. Use the waiting time to go back to the official question bank and work on the areas where you lost marks.

Failing the practical test

If you do not pass the practical test, the rules are a little different. You are required to complete additional training hours at a licensed driving school before you can rebook. The minimum number of extra hours is set by TOM, so confirm that figure directly with them or your school. Once you have completed those hours, the rebooking process is the same as the first time.

In both cases, you will need to pay the test fee again. Check current fees with the Department of Road Transport before rebooking.

Try not to rush back into a retake. Identify what went wrong, work on it with your instructor, and only rebook when you and your school both feel confident.

Frequently asked questions about booking a driving test in Cyprus